Vehicle Ultrasonic Sensor Communication Without Added Hardware

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern automobiles face challenges in integrating new sensor systems for advanced features due to the cost and feasibility of adapting existing vehicle infrastructure, limiting the commercial viability of new selling features.

Innovation Solution

Adapting ultrasonic sensing arrays in vehicles for close-range communication with smart devices and other vehicles by leveraging existing ultrasonic sensors and microphones, utilizing frequency ranges between 18 kHz and 25 kHz for two-way communication, and employing MEMS microphones and piezoelectric transducers without significant hardware modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new sensor systems are added to support advanced vehicle features, then functionality and selling features are improved, but cost and integration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle functionalityVSAvoidsensor system integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing ultrasonic sensors to perform both their original proximity sensing function and a new communication function. The ultrasonic sensors transmit and receive acoustic signals for vehicle-to-smart device communication while maintaining their primary role in obstacle detection and parking assistance, thereby adding functionality without requiring separate dedicated communication hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the communication system with the existing ultrasonic sensing infrastructure. Instead of adding separate communication modules, the acoustic communication capability is integrated into the existing ultrasonic sensor array, combining proximity sensing and data transmission functions into a single hardware platform

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If new sensor systems are added to support advanced vehicle features, then functionality and selling features are improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle functionalityVSAvoidintegration cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing ultrasonic sensor infrastructure serves itself by doubling its functionality. The same hardware components that were already installed for parking and obstacle detection now also handle acoustic communication, eliminating the need for additional dedicated communication hardware and reducing overall system cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables secure, cost-effective integration of new features like automated parking, obstacle detection, and vehicle access control through ultrasonic communication, reducing the need for physical keys and enhancing security against interception.

Implementation Method 1

one or more ultrasonic sensors configured for proximity sensing; and a controller configured to use the one or more ultrasonic sensors to receive an acoustic signal from a smart device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

each of the one or more ultrasonic sensors includes a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) microphone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicro-electromechanical systems (MEMS): Microelectromechanical Systems

Data Source

PatentUS12498478B2Close-range communications with a vehicle's ultrasonic proximity sensors

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC

AI summary

illustrative vehicles, systems, and methods adapt ultrasonic sensing arrays for close-range communication with, e.g., smart devices, parking infrastructure, and other vehicles. As one example, an illustrative vehicle includes: one or more ultrasonic sensors configured for proximity sensing; and a controller configured to use the one or more ultrasonic sensors to receive an acoustic signal from a smart device. As another example, an illustrative vehicle includes one or more microphones configured for at least one of noise cancellation, voice control, emergency vehicle detection, and proximity sensing; and a controller configured to use the one or more microphones to receive an acoustic signal from a smart device, the acoustic signal being in the frequency range between 18 kHz and 25 kHz, inclusive.